HR Dept Exeter

04/09/2026

Supporting employees who may be struggling with addiction is essential for creating a safe, healthy and supportive workplace. Having clear drugs and alcohol policies in place, alongside appropriate training, can help protect both your employees and your business. Read our latest infographic to learn more.

02/09/2026

At the time of the Roman Empire, salt was so coveted by soldiers that they were partly paid with it. In fact “sal” (salt in Latin), is the root of the word “salary” today. The saying “worth their salt” refers to assessing whether a centurion was up to the job!

Romans were so addicted to this white stuff that the famous writer Pliny the Elder observed “Life cannot be lived humanely without salt”.

When we think of addiction nowadays, it is of more serious substances than salt. Alcohol and drugs spring to mind; and there are behavioural addictions too, like gambling.

They are deeply personal conditions, but ones that can have heavy implications in the workplace. In our latest blog, we explain why it is essential that you know how to manage it, should an employee develop an addiction: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/what-should-you-do-if-an-employee-is-suffering-from-addiction

28/08/2026

With employers' responsibilities to prevent workplace sexual harassment increasing from October 2026, effective training is key to protecting employees, strengthening compliance and creating a respectful workplace. Read our latest infographic to learn more.

26/08/2026

By civilised standards, sexual harassment has never been acceptable in the workplace. But all too often it occurs, despite the Equality Act and other legislation before it.

As you probably know, the Government implemented new rules in 2024 which put a proactive duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment under the Worker Protection Act. And now just two years later (from October), the duties of prevention on you the employer go further.

In our latest blog, we explain employers' growing legal duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment and how effective training can support compliance : https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/reducing-the-risk-with-sexual-harassment-training

25/08/2026

The hiring process starts long before the interview.

Our employer's checklist explains the steps you can take to get your recruitment right.

21/08/2026

Hiring the right person can save your business time, money and headaches. In our latest infographic, we share practical tips to help employers get recruitment right.

20/08/2026

30th October sees trade union rights expanded again under the Employment Rights Act, this time with sweeping new access rights to workplaces. It only applies to businesses with 21 or more employees, but this includes total numbers spread across multiple sites which will bring more businesses within its scope.

The access includes both physical spaces and digital infrastructure.

The idea is that if you are approached by any trade union, whether you already recognise one or not, you need to negotiate access within the bounds of the new law. If agreement cannot be reached, a Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) has been established which will decide and dictate what happens. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties of tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of pounds.

We explore this further, along with sick notes, National cycle to work day, and more.
To read these articles in full, and find out the latest from the world of HR, check out our newsletter here: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/newsletters/people-matter-august-2026

19/08/2026

From universities not probing outlandish claims to governments dismissing security vetting, public life is full of high-profile errors in the recruitment process.

Even when you get it right, recruitment is expensive. From the time you or your managers invest in it, to advertising and recruiter costs. And then there is the induction and training process while they get up to speed.

But get it wrong, and not only have you paid for all of the above, but you also have to absorb the cost of their shortcomings in whatever form they take, plus going through the whole process again.

In our latest blog, we explain some common mistakes that companies make, plus a better way of doing it: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/do-you-make-these-mistakes-in-recruitment?

14/08/2026

Discrimination can happen at any stage of pregnancy. Understanding your responsibilities is key to supporting employees fairly and staying compliant with employment law.

In our latest infographic, we explain what employers need to know about staying on the right side of the law and maintaining a positive relationship with pregnant employees.

12/08/2026

For most women, a pregnancy will be a wonderful and life-changing moment; don’t let it be a negative life-changing moment for your SME. At both a human and business level, care is required. You can play an important role in making it a success for everyone.

Some employers may cynically wish to discriminate; but it could also be possible to inadvertently do so with something clumsily said or done, or from simply not knowing the rules.

Pregnancy and maternity is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. From the moment an employee tells you that she is pregnant (or she hasn’t told you but you suspect it), you will need to be wary of discrimination risk.

In our latest blog, we explain what employers need to know about staying on the right side of the law and maintaining a positive relationship with pregnant employees:

For most women, a pregnancy will be a wonderful and life-changing moment; don’t let it be a negative life-changing moment for your SME. At both a human…